It’s that peculiarly Cornish word which tends to be uttered with more frequency and added venom at this time of year.

It’s launched hundreds of bumper stickers and even one of the greatest hoaxes in British history.

Yes, we’re talking ‘emmet’ – the nickname Cornish people refer to non-Cornish people and, more specifically, tourists to the county; also known as incomers, blow-ins, grockles (if you’re a Devonshire person living in Cornwall, which is a dangerous thing to be), second home owners or other words unprintable on a family-friendly website.

For decades, if not centuries, Cornish folk have used the word often in an affectionate way, but there appears to be a growing feeling that the term is derogatory, divisive and even racist.

Does this car bumper sticker fill you with rage or make you laugh?

We asked people what they thought – from the head of Cornwall's tourism board to patriotic Cornish residents and those who could be classed as emmets.

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The origins of emmet

It is commonly thought to derive from the Cornish language word for ant. Tourists are often red in colour and mill around. You get the analogy. However, the use of emmet is actually derived from the Old English word æmete from which the modern English word ‘ant’ comes.

The Cornish word for ant is actually moryonenn, the plural of which – moryon – is still used in the far west of Cornwall instead of emmet.

The great Porthemmet hoax

In August 2007, Truro-born teacher Jonty Haywood caused a sensation when he began promoting the fictional Porthemmet (Port of Emmet) beach in north Cornwall with fake road signs and a hoax website, confusing tourists and amusing locals. In July 2008 Haywood placed a further set of signs.

Surely, this is the spirit in which the use of ‘emmet’ is meant? A bit of fun. To some yes, but to others most definitely not.

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Is emmet acceptable in the 21 century?

I don't actually use the term, not because I find it offensive, I simply don't talk in the Cornish dialect, but as a Cornishman I believe it is largely used as an affectionate term for the influx of people that descend on our shores every summer.

Just because a Cornish person calls you an emmet doesn't mean they are not grateful for the boost in the economy you bring to the county and won't welcome you with open arms.

You really need to start worrying when we call you a tuss.

Would you wear this T-shirt designed by the Cornish T-shirt Factory in Saltash?

Rob Lawrance added: "We won't be able to say 'my dear', 'dreckly' or 'my lover' soon because it will be seen as racist or discriminatory."

"I called myself an emmet when wandering around London seemingly with no aim," said Paul Hoskin. "I was led to believe it was likening people to ants, maybe labelling them an irritant but it depends, like many words, on who says it and in what way as to how it will be taken."

Cornish speaker Matthi Ab Dewi added: "I'm queer, and so long as the word 'queer' is used affectionately I'm okay with it. It is all about tone ... not necessarily the word."

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‘Negative, divisive and ignorant’

However, many other people do find the use of emmet offensive.

I asked the one man who has most contact with the very people who are dubbed emmets - Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, the tourism board. He told me: "Firstly, it is nowhere near as commonly used as it used to be.

"But more importantly in this era it could easily be seen as an insult i.e. on par with Paddy or Taffy or calling someone with red hair a 'ginger' – we are more sensitive to others feeling than we were in my youth.

"Regarding tourism businesses – the Cornish are known for being polite and welcoming and although it does not help it won't make any real impact."

Samuel Farmer, who owns a tourism business, added: "To boil a person down to a word that serves you and not them is morally wrong."

Siobhán Barrow commented: "Emmet is generally used in a derogatory (and, occasionally, divisive) manner, which is a pity. It's human to want to identify as part of a tribe though, so the use of the word is fairly benign when taken in the context of extreme nationalism/separatism.

"On the other hand, it's not usually a good idea to bite the hand that feeds you, so prudence is required when using the word."

James Melville, a Scot living in Cornwall, added: "We should take pride in where we are from and also celebrate and welcome people from wherever they are from.

"If the word chosen to describe someone is in any way considered to be offensive, it shouldn't be used. I am Scottish. I bristle when I am called a 'jock' – it's normally used in a derogatory context. Words matter as does the context of those words."

Rik Evans believes the use of the word emmet is simply not acceptable: "It is negative, divisive and ignorant."

Gillian Wills agreed: "I have only ever heard the word emmet used in a derogatory fashion. And as one myself, I actually find it offensive."

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While discussing the matter on his BBC Radio Cornwall show, presenter Laurence Reed said: "It's disrespectful to those people who are coming to Cornwall and spending their money here."

Timothy Ball believes it's symptomatic of a wider Cornish outlook: "It's not okay to say emmet, particularly when they are the ones supporting the local economy. It smacks of everything that's wrong with the Cornish attitude."